New Haven Fort

New Haven Fort

An award-winning attraction and a fine example of an English fortification, Newhaven Fort has the sights, sounds - even the smells - of the period, all found in a range of exhibitions and audio-visual presentations.

Offering the perfect family day out, there is so much to explore at Newhaven Fort, including the vast, echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. Experience a sense of freedom in this 10-acre site as you stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast. The cliff-top gun emplacements are sure to fire any imagination!

Britain was last successfully invaded in 1066 and since then our coasts have been guarded by a succession of forts and castles placed at strategic locations. Seaford Bay and the port of Newhaven were always tempting landing places for an invader and the defensive history of the area dates back to the Bronze age when a large enclosed fort was built on the cliff top. When the Romans arrived, they too built a fort on the site and, since that time fortifications have remained, culminating in the building of the Newhaven Fort structure seen today.

The current Newhaven Fort structure was built around the 1860's and is the largest work of defence ever constructed in Sussex. It has stood firm as a vital element in Britain’s coastal defence through two World Wars. Following its abandonment as a military fortification, Newhaven Fort suffered years of incredible neglect and dereliction but has now been restored to provide an award-winning visitor attraction.


VISITORS INFOMRAMTION:

Newhaven Fort is open every day of the week from 1st March to 31st October 10.30am - 6pm (5pm during October).
Please note that last admission is 1 hour before closing.
 

Facilities:

Café
The Searchlight Café is open daily throughout the season serving hot drinks (including Fair Trade products), delicious hot and cold lunches, as well as naughty cakes, snacks and ice creams. Relax with a hot chocolate on the ramparts as you enjoy the breathtaking view across the harbour, or enjoy a home made soup with your family in the newly refurbished café.
Searchlight Café open 11:00 - 16:30 (last orders 16:00)
Lunches served 11:30 - 14:30
Afternoon tea served 14:30 - 16:30
Shop
The Newhaven Fort shop is located in the reception area. We stock a range of goods including books, CDs, educational material*, nostalgia items, military paraphernalia, puzzles and souvenirs. Unusual items such as ammunition boxes, helmets, Home Front packs, military bags and peaked caps are on sale at competitive prices.
Prices range from £0.50- £50.

The shop is open for business:
10.30-18.00 (March-September)
10.30-17.00 (October)

*Bliltz packs, wartime posters, D-Day book with CD, wartime recipe books, postcards and much more.

Address:
Newhaven Fort
Fort Road
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 9DS
United Kingdom